Best Raspberry Pi Camera in 2022
From wildlife and security monitoring to a low-cost alternative to a full-fat digital camera by way of a replacement for the humble webcam, cameras are one of the most interesting and fun upgrades you can incorporate into a Raspberry Pi.
Versatility is the name of the game here, and a quality Raspberry Pi camera module gives you all you need to bring to life even the most inventive camera-based projects. The only real limit? Your willingness to learn and master the coding skills required to tame a Raspberry Pi camera and program the functions needed for your particular project, whether that be time-lapses, stop-motion, movement detection, or live streaming video.
As with most Raspberry Pi parts and peripherals, we’re spoiled for choice, which can make choosing the right camera a tricky task. Modules, megapixels, lenses, CSi interface, resolution, and so on – the jargon can leave newcomers scratching their heads in utter confusion. To take some of the stress out of the equation and simplify the buying process, we’ve pulled together this guide to the best Raspberry Pi cameras.
Products at a Glance
Best Raspberry Pi Camera in 2022
- Official Raspberry Pi part
- 8 megapixels
- Up to 1080p at 30 FPS
- Up to 3280 x 2464 still pictures
- Lightweight and compact
- Broad compatibility with Raspberry Pi models
- RPi recommends using a 2A power supply
- Official Raspberry Pi part
- 12.3 megapixels
- C or CS lens mounts
- 7.9 mm diagonal image size
- Adjustable back focus
- Tripod mount
- Requires separate lens purchase
- Expensive
- 8 megapixels
- Wide-angle 160-degree field of view
- Up to 1080p at 30 FPS video capture
- 3280 x 2464 still picture resolution
- Easy assembly and setup
- Requires separate purchase of Official Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2
- 5 megapixels
- Day and night modes
- 2592 x 1944 still image resolution
- Up to 1080p at 30 FPS
- Reasonable priced
- Large form factor
- 5 megapixels
- Up to 1080p at 30 FPS
- 2592 x 1944 still image resolution
- Small form factor
- Extremely cheap
- Image and video quality trails behind pricier models
Our Verdict
The Official Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2 is our top pick among Raspberry Pi cameras. Tailor-made to work with the mini-computer and manufactured by Raspberry Pi, it offers 8 megapixel still images and video up to 1080p at 60 FPS. It’s also lightweight and compact and is compatible with most Raspberry Pi models out of the box.
We recommend another official RPi product, the Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera, for the highest image quality. With 12.3 megapixels, this camera delivers superb image quality, and the interchangeable lens mounts allow for plenty of versatility in the type of photography this camera is capable of producing. The tripod mount is another great feature that should please those looking for a more professionally-geared Raspberry Pi camera.
For wide-angle photography and video capture, the MakerFocus Raspberry Pi Camera Module comes highly recommended. A 160-degree field of view is ideal for security and wildlife monitoring; just remember to budget for a Camera Module V2 as MakerFocus doesn’t provide one with the camera.
The Longruner IR Camera offers the best nighttime performance of any Raspberry Pi camera module in our guide, thanks to IR lights with an automatic day/night mode switching function. Image resolution reaches 2592 x 1944, while video capture extends to 1080p at 30 FPS.
Finally, for those looking for a cheap option, the Arducam 5MP Camera for Raspberry Pi won’t break the bank and deliver sufficiently decent images and videos for hobbyists and tinkerers.
With that, we’ll end our guide to the best Raspberry Pi cameras. Please don’t hesitate to drop into the comments section if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions.